Students at the prestigious Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Junior College in Odisha’s capital have raised serious concerns over the substandard quality of food served in the girls’ hostel.
Multiple incidents of worms being found in meals have left the residents distressed and fearful for their health, prompting them to escalate their complaints from the hostel superintendent to the college principal.
According to the affected +2 (higher secondary) students residing in the hostel, worms have repeatedly appeared in various dishes, including dal, curries, and other prepared foods. These occurrences have not only compromised the taste and safety of the meals but also highlighted glaring issues with hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen. “This is a major problem for us, especially since many students come from remote areas across the state and rely entirely on the hostel for their nutrition,” said one student on condition of anonymity. The potential health risks, such as foodborne illnesses, have amplified the urgency of the matter.
The students claim they had informed the hostel superintendent about the issue on several occasions, but no meaningful action was taken. This lack of response has fueled growing frustration and created an atmosphere of unrest among the boarders. Allegations extend beyond just the presence of insects, with complaints about the use of low-quality ingredients and inadequate sanitation during food preparation. Discussions among the students have intensified, with many expressing disappointment in the hostel’s management.
Frustrated by the inaction, the students have now submitted a written complaint directly to the college principal, demanding immediate improvements in food quality and overall hostel administration. They are calling for stricter hygiene protocols, better ingredient sourcing, and regular inspections to prevent future incidents. This development has put the college authorities under pressure, with expectations for a swift resolution to restore confidence among the residents.
Similar complaints about poor hostel food quality have surfaced in other educational institutions in the past, underscoring a broader need for reforms in student welfare across Odisha’s colleges. As of now, the college administration has not issued an official statement, but sources indicate that an internal inquiry may be underway.
